Menopausal Skin – Understanding the Changes and How We Treat Them at Renew

Two phrases we hear almost every week are:

“I feel like I’ve aged overnight.”
“My skin is so sensitive it can’t handle anything it used to.”

For many women, this sudden shift in their skin coincides with the menopause - or the 3–5 years leading up to it (perimenopause). This stage of life, usually between the ages of 45 and 55, brings a significant drop in oestrogen. Alongside hot flushes, mood changes, and weight fluctuations, the skin can undergo rapid and sometimes unsettling changes.

Why Oestrogen Matters for Your Skin

Oestrogen, particularly the type known as estradiol, plays a vital role in skin health. In our reproductive years, it’s present in abundance. But as we move into perimenopause, estradiol levels decline and a different form of oestrogen takes over - and that’s when skin changes start to appear.

Lower estradiol affects the texture of your skin’s natural oils (sebum), making them thicker. This can lead to oilier skin, enlarged pores, and even breakouts - a surprise to many women expecting drier skin with age. On the other hand, some women experience increased dryness and sensitivity because oestrogen loss also changes skin pH and weakens the skin barrier. This can leave your skin more prone to irritation, dullness, and uneven pigmentation.

Why Your Old Skincare Stops Working

Many of our patients come in frustrated that “nothing works anymore.” That’s because menopausal skin often needs medical-grade products with active ingredients, not just heavier creams.

At Renew, we use and recommend medical-grade skincare ranges like Elementré Dermo Cosmetics, PCA, Relife, Heliocare, Rosalique, and MGC Derma — chosen for their proven performance and skin tolerance.

For oily or breakout-prone menopausal skin, we may suggest a cleanser or mask containing salicylic acid or gentle alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic or lactic acid to unclog pores, smooth texture, and boost radiance.

For dry or sensitive skin, we avoid heavy occlusive creams and instead focus on hydration with hyaluronic acid or ceramide-rich serums to strengthen the barrier and improve comfort.

For all menopausal skin, SPF is essential every single day - and our Heliocare range offers options that protect while keeping skin comfortable.

Restoring Volume and Elasticity

Beyond surface changes, oestrogen loss also affects facial volume and firmness. Collagen and elastin production slows dramatically — with as much as 30% of skin collagen lost in the first 5 years after menopause. This can lead to sagging skin, fine lines, and a hollowed look in the cheeks or temples.

At Renew, we take a targeted approach to this:

• Profhilo® – A skin bioremodeller that hydrates from within and stimulates collagen and elastin, improving firmness and elasticity in the face, neck, and décolletage.

• Skin boosters – Lightweight injectable hydrators that plump and smooth without changing your natural features.

• Laser skin tightening – Non-invasive options to stimulate collagen for firmer, lifted skin.

• Microneedling – Improves texture, reduces fine lines, and supports collagen renewal.

A Holistic Approach

Menopause isn’t just a skin concern - it’s a whole-body transition. That’s why we take a holistic approach at Renew. Alongside our in-clinic treatments and skincare plans, we can recommend trusted women’s health specialists, nutritional therapists, and other practitioners to support your overall wellbeing. Addressing stress, diet, and hormone balance can significantly improve skin health too.

Your Personalised Menopause Skin Plan

Whether your main concerns are sensitivity, breakouts, lines, or volume loss, we’ll create a tailored treatment and homecare plan to help you feel confident in your skin again. That may include:

• Medical-grade skincare to address barrier repair, hydration, and active skin renewal.

• Targeted in-clinic treatments like Profhilo, microneedling, chemical peels, or biostimulators.

• Long-term skin health strategies to protect and strengthen your skin for the years ahead.

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At Renew Skin Clinic, our goal is to help you navigate this stage of life with expert care, proven treatments, and results you can see and feel. If you’ve noticed sudden changes in your skin and don’t know where to start, book your menopause skin consultation today - we’ll guide you every step of the way.